COLUMBUS, Ohio — Huntington announced that it is expanding its auto dealer financing business into Wisconsin and Minnesota, with officials saying the company expects to reach more than 400 dealers throughout both states.

“We have top market share in many of the states we serve, and auto dealers in Wisconsin and Minnesota want to be affiliated with a bank that offers our track record of proven success in underwriting, funding, and superior customer service,” said Rich Porrello, director of Huntington Automobile Finance. “This expansion into Wisconsin and Minnesota continues our strategy of providing auto dealer financing into markets where we see opportunity for profitable growth.”

Huntington has hired a team with local market knowledge for each state and expects to hire additional staff to support the sales and underwriting functions of the expansion, according to the company. Huntington will begin processing applications through dealers by October 24th.

Huntington Automobile Finance (HAF) offerings include retail and commercial financing for auto dealers. The company currently operates in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia and Kentucky, as well as selected other markets in Tennessee, New Jersey and five New England states.